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Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has paid a landmark official visit to Kyrgyzstan, becoming the first African foreign minister to be formally hosted by the Central Asian nation.
The visit signals a major step in strengthening diplomatic relations, with both countries committing to deepen cooperation across political and economic sectors. During engagements in Bishkek with President Sadyr Japarov and Foreign Minister Jeenbek Kulubayev, discussions centred on expanding collaboration in areas such as trade, mining, and diplomacy.
A key outcome of the visit was the signing of two bilateral agreements to formalise relations. These include visa waivers for holders of diplomatic and service passports, with plans to potentially extend the arrangement to ordinary passport holders, as well as the establishment of a framework for regular political consultations between the two countries.
Economic cooperation—particularly in the mining sector—featured prominently, given Ghana’s position as a leading gold producer in Africa and Kyrgyzstan’s ownership of the Kumtor Gold Mine, one of the largest in Central Asia. Both sides expressed interest in sharing expertise and unlocking new opportunities within the sector.
The visit also reflects Ghana’s broader strategy to diversify its trade partnerships and engage emerging markets. With Kyrgyzstan’s growing economy and strategic location, both countries see strong potential for expanded commercial ties.
The engagement further aligns with Kyrgyzstan’s efforts to strengthen relations with African nations following its recognition as an observer to the African Union, marking a step toward deeper South–South cooperation.
Follow-up activities are expected to focus on trade missions, mining partnerships, and enhanced people-to-people exchanges as both countries work to translate the agreements into tangible economic benefits.
Source: 3news
